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Everett Silvertips

'Tips Suffer Valentine's Shootout Heartbreaker

February 15, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


EVERETT - The Everett Silvertips battled their way to a third-period lead, but the Seattle Thunderbirds scored in the final minute to tie it and eventually take a 3-2 shootout victory from the hands of the 'Tips in front of more than 7,200 fans Saturday at XFINITY Arena. With Portland having the night off, the Silvertips moved eight points ahead of the Winterhawks for first in the U.S. Division.

Patrick Bajkov recorded the Silvertips first goal of the game with assists to Carson Stadnyk and Ivan Nikolishin. After recording two goals and an assist on Friday, Remi Laurencelle scored again Saturday for the 'Tips. With his assist, Kohl Bauml tied Kyle Beach for sixth on the Silvertips all-time points list. Everett's powerplay continued to shine, going 2 for 4 on the night. Goaltender Carter Hart (12-4-2-1) stopped 24 of 26 shots faced in net.

With two strong defensive teams facing off, the shot clock wasn't busy for the first half of the opening frame. Both teams eventually generated scoring chances, but the goaltenders on either side denied the puck to cross the goal line. It took a powerplay halfway through the first for Seattle to crack the scoreboard after Scott Eansor tipped in a shot from Ethan Bear. The Thunderbirds took the 1-0 lead into the second period with Everett carrying a 9-8 edge in shots.

The game remained tight midway through the second until the 'Tips evened up the score with a powerplay goal of their own. Carson Stadnyk fought hard at the side of the net and made a play to set up Patrick Bajkov across the slot for a shot into an open net. The score remained tied at one through 40 minutes of play with the Silvertips holding a 17-12 advantage on the shot clock.

After the Thunderbirds took a high-sticking penalty early in the third, the 'Tips were awarded a four-minute powerplay for an opportune chance to take the lead. Everett did just that as Remi Laurencelle sent a quick shot past goaltender Taran Kozun inside the far post to give the 'Tips their first lead of the game at 2-1. Seattle began to apply more pressure as the period progressed, with Carter Hart making crucial saves to preserve the Silvertips lead late in the period. The Thunderbirds pulled Kozun for an extra attacker and scored with less than a minute left to tie the game and force overtime. Seattle scored twice in the shootout to take a 3-2 victory over Everett, who could not manage a goal on Kozun in the shootout.

Seattle goaltender Taran Kozun (26-14-3-3) stopped 25 shots as the teams finished the night with 27 shots apiece. The T-Birds' powerplay unit went 1 for 3.

The Silvertips have five days off before hosting two home games during a three-in-three set next weekend. The 'Tips face Tri-City Friday at 7:35 pm for our 2015 "Navy Night" in a televised game on ROOT Sports Northwest. After a visit to Kent to battle the Thunderbirds on Saturday, Everett is back at home against the Lethbridge Hurricanes Sunday afternoon at 4:05.

For more information visit www.EverettSilvertips.com, call the team office at 425-252-5100, "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2015


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